Gordon Ramsay-trained chef launches at the 7th Floor

One Ingredient is a unique dining experience for the foodies of Cape Town where one carefully chosen ingredient spreads itself over all four courses of the evening, showing just how much can be done with one ingredient. After a demonstration of each course, guests are able to recreate two of the courses and present them as a professional, before taking their dish into the relaxed dining room where it may be enjoyed with a carefully selected wine pairing from an exclusive wine farm.

The 7th Floor features a state-of-the-art development kitchen with a lavishly decorated dining room that seats 18 guests at a time. Its drive for innovation, commitment to quality and the use of organic materials, making it an extremely green venue, was the clenching factor in the deal for One Ingredient by Matt Manning.

"The 7th Floor resonated with me and my approach to food. I use local and seasonal products that tell a story, just as 7th Floor does. The small and intimate environment gives me the opportunity to interact with my guests and share my passion and love for food on a more personal and educational level."

Started out as a kitchen porter

Discovering the love for food as a young lad growing up in the Norfolk countryside, Manning started out as a kitchen porter cleaning and preparing vegetables before being given the opportunity to work alongside some ambitious chefs who taught him the art of the culinary world. "I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere of the kitchen and the passion that followed with it."

Manning was inspired to start One Ingredient because he wanted to do something unique and fresh, and show Capetonians that what he had to offer was fun, interactive and enjoyable. Over the years Manning trained under various internationally acclaimed chefs, including Gordon Ramsay at Petrus, Marcus Wareing, Alyn WIiliams and Bryn WIlliams before coming to South Africa where he was appointed sous chef of La Colombe. "Having trained in classic French cuisine, I would describe my style of food as a more relaxed style of fine dining influenced by the techniques I have learnt over the years."

Manning offers private dining experiences to South Africans in the comfort of their own homes, as well as offering his unique One Ingredient concept for corporate events and private functions, as well as hosting cooking demonstrations.

"My goal is to keep producing top-quality food that I can serve to guests who enjoy it, and then pair that food with the best wine available to showcase just how gastronomical food is. My next goal is to introduce One Ingredient to the Johannesburg and Durban markets."

The next ingredient for July's One Ingredient menu on July 25th and 26th will be fennel. The four-course menu will be paired with Glenwood wines and presented courtesy of Damn Fine Wines. There will only be 18 places available at each dinner.

For more information, go to www.matt-manning.com.